FOLLOW US: @TheStatesmanLtd @thestatesmanltd thestatesman1875 87 www.thestatesm w man.com Peop ’s Parliament, Always in Session ople’s Pa t, es India’s National Newspaper since 1818 BRIEFLY Telegram challenges ban over NEET paper leak, takes Indian govt to court: New Delhi: The company that owns the Telegram messaging app has challenged the Indian government’s decision to temporarily ban the messaging app platform in India, days before NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination, scheduled for Sunday. Company lawyers submitted the matter to the Delhi High Court on Wednesday, a day after the National Testing Agency announced the Centre’s decision to block access to the app over concerns that it was being used to leak the examination papers. Justice Tejas Karia has agreed to a same-day hearing of the matter, according to the legal website Live Law. Taking to social media, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has called the ban a “mistake”, arguing that the move by the Indian IT Ministry would not “stop anything”, as those responsible for the leaks have already moved to other apps. | Pages 12 | ` 5.00 | KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | MUMBAI | BHUBANESWAR | LUCKNOW | SILIGURI | Thursday, 18 June 2026 PM Modi, Trump hold bilateral, push trade pact and strategic cooperation PM calls for inclusive growth and new partnerships for the Global South: SHAHID K ABBAS New Delhi, 17 June P rime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 52nd G7 Summit in Évian-l es-Bains, France, on Wednesday, marking their first face-to-face interaction in 16 months. The meeting came at a time when conflicts in West Asia, disruptions to global maritime New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday urged the international community to adopt a more inclusive and sustainable approach to economic development, arguing that the true measure of growth lies not merely in economic indicators but in how widely its benefits are shared across societies. Addressing the Outreach Session on “Reviving a Balanced, Shared and Sustainable Economic Growth for All” at the G7 Summit in Evian, France, Mr Modi said global economic discussions must move beyond conventional metrics and focus on ensuring that growth is equitable, resilient and people-centric. “The reality today is that when it comes to growth, the question should not be about GDP or trade numbers. The real question is ~ growth for whom, with whom and in what direction,” the Prime Minister asked. trade routes and ongoing economic frictions have reshaped global diplomatic priorities. During the meeting, PM Modi praised President Trump’s efforts towards regional peace and stability in West Asia. “Excellency, for the efforts and progress made for peace in West Asia, I congratulate you,” Mr Modi said. The leaders held extensive discussions on strengthening cooperation across key sectors, including trade, defence, energy security, technology, critical minerals and strategic supply chains. A major focus of the meeting was the progress of negotiations toward a bilateral trade agreement, which both sides have been seeking to conclude despite disagreements over tariffs and market access. President Trump expressed confidence that the two countries were nearing a breakthrough. “We are very close to finalising a trade deal,” he said, while highlighting growing Indian STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) appears to be headed for another split with six of its nine Lok Sabha MPs reportedly deciding to break away and join the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Though the buzz also is that the breakaway MPs have met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in New Delhi and submitted a letter seeking recognition as a separate group, there was no official confirmation on this till the filing of this report. According to those familiar with the developments, the breakaway group includes Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Sanjay Dina Patil (Mumbai NorthEast), Omraje Nimbalkar (Dharashiv), Sanjay Haribhau Jadhav (Parbhani), Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar (Hingoli), Sanjay Deshmukh (Yavatmal-Washim) and Bhausaheb Wakchoure (Shirdi). They are learnt to have formed an independent group calling itself the “Thackeray Jai Maharashtra group”. Their formal induction into the Shinde-led Sena is expected on 19 June ~ the party’s foundation day. The six MPs attended a meeting at the Delhi residence of Eknath Shinde’s son, MP Dr Shrikant Shinde, where legal advisers were also present, they added. If the move is formalised, the Shinde-led Sena’s strength in the Lok Sabha will rise to 13 MPs, making it the thirdlargest constituent of the NDA. The numbers carry political significance as parliamentary strength determines speaking time, influence within alliances and leverage in future seatsharing negotiations. It would also strengthen Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government in the Lok Sabha. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders also met the Speaker and urged strict adherence to anti-defection provisions. The party also issued a whip directing all its nine Lok Sabha MPs to attend a parliamentary party meeting on 18 June. investments in the USA. The US President also offered unusually warm personal praise for Mr Modi, describing him as a “beautiful looking man” who “looks like an angel” while simultaneously calling him a “very tough negotiator.” Mr Modi raised India's concerns over regional instability in West Asia and the impact of recent military developments on civilian maritime traffic. The Prime Minister highlighted the deaths of three Indian civilian seafarers during recent military operations in the region and stressed the need to ensure the safety of international shipping lanes. Mr Modi also conveyed India's concerns over supply constraints and the impact of tariff-related measures linked to New Delhi's energy procurement policies. Suvendu warns of stern action against Falta violence Those who attacked police personnel and Central forces will face severe punishment...The government will not spare anyone involved in such incidents. SUVENDU ADHIKARI, BENGAL CHIEF MINISTER STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Falta, 17 June Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday issued a strong warning against those involved in recent unrest in South 24-Parganas’ Falta, where large-scale protests were organised over the last two days demanding the release of alleged strongman Jahangir Khan. Addressing a public gathering at Fatepur Football Ground in Falta, Mr Adhikari said that no one would be allowed to take the law into their own hands and warned of stringent action against those who allegedly attacked police and Central forces during the protests led by Jahangir Khan’s wife. Referring to the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Chief Minister said strict legal measures were available to deal with anti-national activities. “Those who attacked police personnel and Central forces will face severe punishment. There are stringent provisions under the law against anti-country activities. The government will not spare anyone involved in such incidents,” he said. Mr Adhikari alleged that a section of people, under the leadership of the wife of a “mafia”, had attempted to attack security personnel. Shiv Sena (UBT) headed for split? Party issues whip for Thursday “I have instructed the Superintendent of Police to identify everyone seen in the videos. They must be brought under the ambit of law and taught a lesson under provisions dealing with antinational activities,” he said. The BJP leader asserted that Falta would be developed into a model Assembly constituency. “The rule of law has been established in Falta. The law of the ruling party will not prevail here; only the rule of law will. Hooliganism, looting and criminal activities will no longer be tolerated,” he said. Wednesday marked Mr Adhikari’s first visit to Falta after BJP candidate Debanshu Panda’s emphatic victory in the Assembly election. Besides addressing the public meeting at Fatepur, he also attended a public welfare camp at the Srinath Institution grounds. During the programme, Mr Adhikari announced that the ongoing Jan Kalyan Shivir (Public Welfare Camp), scheduled to conclude on Wednesday, would be extended by one more day across the state owing to the overwhelming public response. He added that the government was committed to ensuring that welfare benefits reached citizens without corruption or the involvement of middlemen. Encara Messi! Lionel Messi celebrates one of his three goals during a Group J match between Argentina and Algeria at the FIFA World Cup 2026 at the Kansas City Stadium, USA. Argentina won 3-0. AGENCIES (Match Report on Page 12) Delhi/Mumbai, 17 June “We will decide our next course of action based on Uddhav Thackeray’s directions,” Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Anil Desai said. Senior leaders Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai and Sanjay Raut (photo) maintained that no MP had formally informed either the party or the Speaker about any decision to leave. Mr Sawant said they had informed the Speaker that media reports alone could not form the basis of any action and that constitutional and anti-defection provisions must be followed. Mr Raut said the Speaker assured them that any decision would be taken in accordance with the law and parliamentary rules. Mr Desai argued that only a political party could merge with another party and that there was no provision for a group of MPs to do so independently. Nashik MP Rajabhau Waje, meanwhile, publicly reaffirmed his support for Uddhav Thackeray. The speculation, fuelled by reports of an alleged “Operation Tiger”, revived memories of the 2022 rebellion led by Eknath Shinde that split the undivided Shiv Sena. Mr Raut alleged on social media that each MP was being offered large amounts of money to desert their parent party. “Apna Sapna Money Money! It’s shocking and revolting that Maharashtra MPs are reportedly being offered Rs 15 crore each tonight to switch sides,” Mr Raut tweeted. On the other hand, sources said MPs Sanjay Dina Patil and Omraje Nimbalkar, did not sign the letter given to the Lok Sabha Speaker due to which ‘Operation Tiger’ could become legally unsustainable. Swapan meets Ashok Lahiri ahead of Budget: ‘New deal’ in the works? JAYANTA ROY CHOWDHURY AND SHAHID K ABBAS New Delhi, 17 June As the BJP government in Bengal prepares to present its maiden Budget after storming to power in the state, Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta on Wednesday held consultations here with noted economist and NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok Kumar Lahiri to discuss the state's economic challenges and opportunities ahead of the maiden budget of the new administration. A key component of the government’s strategy is expected to be greater engagement with the Centre in addressing the challenges of the debt-ridden state. West Bengal is likely to seek enhanced support under centrally-sponsored schemes, improved access to financing from national and multilateral institutions, and stronger participation by central public sector enterprises in Bengal's development. Soon after the meeting, Mr Dasgupta, a well-known journalist and author-turned politician, said in a social media post: “Detailed discussions were held on the roadmap for strengthening the state's economy, attracting investments, generating employment opportunities, and building a developed West Bengal state.” According to sources, the meeting reviewed the overall financial condition of the state and explored development opportunities that could help accelerate growth and investment in West Bengal. The discussions took place ahead of the presentation of the state Budget scheduled on 22 June. Sources said Mr Lahiri, a noted economist and former Union government official, shared policy suggestions and expert advice on the state’s finances, economic management, and possible revival measures. The deliberations also touched upon long-term development frameworks and opportunities for enhanced coordination under what BJP leaders describe as a “double-engine government,” with the same party in power at both the Centre and in the state. The consultation assumes significance as the state government prepares its first full Budget after the BJP came to power in West Bengal, with expectations of a renewed focus on infrastructure, industrial growth, employment generation and fiscal consolidation. Sources indicated that Mr Lahiri’s inputs covered both immediate fiscal challenges and longer-term development strategies aimed at improving the state's economic performance. The discussions are understood to have included ways to strengthen public finances, attract investment, and align state-level initiatives with national development priorities. Economic observers have pointed out that the political alignment between the Centre and West Bengal presents an opportunity for closer coordination on development projects and policy implementation. Experts have also highlighted the potential for integrating West Bengal more closely into a broader eastern India growth strategy, leveraging the region’s strategic location, industrial base, and connectivity advantages. Mr Dasgupta is also expected to hold further consultations with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman before finalising the Budget proposals. Such discussions are likely to focus on fiscal support, investment opportunities and cooperation on major infrastructure and development initiatives. The meeting between Mr Dasgupta and Mr Lahiri comes as the BJP government confronts a daunting fiscal inheritance. West Bengal’s outstanding debt has crossed Rs 7.9 lakh crore, giving it one of the highest debt burdens among major Indian states. The state’s debt-to-GSDP ratio is estimated at around 38-39 per cent. • Turn to Page 2